On a hot summer day, nothing beats the heat better than a cold refreshing face shot of whitewater. Rafting is one of the few water sports where you’ll actually enjoy paddling hard for short intervals, soaked to the bone inside a dingy-like raft with a few other crazy peeps.
BC waterways like the Thompson, Fraser and Chilliwack Rivers are perfect for whitewater rafting, and are no secret to outdoor enthusiasts. Tourists are all over the sport, but it’s local residents who seem to forget that rafting is a BC specialty. An amazing adventure, it is affordable, accessible and best of all, unforgettable. Toss in an overnight at a haunted B&B like The Teague House in Yale (one of BC’s oldest houses built in 1867) and you’re in for a spooky, splashy wild ride.
Hammering through Class 3.5-4 rapids is a BC summer bucket list must. We have to give our super-skilled rafting guides credit. Skill, knowledge and wit are just a few of the attributes that make rafting guides so memorable. The trip always ends on an adrenaline high. Local companies like Fraser River Raft Expeditions have been pumping people safely through whitewater for more than 20 years. There’s a reason these rafting outfitters are still in business. They all have their own loyal following of crazy guide characters, all of whom are doing it for the outdoorsy lifestyle.
Aside from being a thrill ride; there are so many other reasons you need to add a rafting trip to your bucket list. Firstly, the views are epic. Whatever river you choose to experience, as you paddle down the river in awe of this beautiful province, count your blessings that you live here. Warning: if you slack off for too long gawking at the views, your outgoing rafting guide may just decide to throw you in the drink. Never underestimate the power of the guide!
Rafting is an ideal group activity and is great for team-building. It’s a given that you will make some new friends after a day fighting rapids with names like Jaws and Hells Gate together.
Rafting outfitters like Hyak, Fraser River Raft, Canadian Outback Adventures and Kumsheen are close enough to home for a daytrip and all about safety. Expect to be entertained and well fed, but DO remember to bring essentials like your own water bottle, sunscreen and waterproof camera (dry bags are provided).
A pit stop for a picnic lunch along the river’s edge is part of the daytrip adventure and a great chance to grab some photos and chat with your team while you refuel.
Minimum age for rafting is 12 years old, so leave the kidlets at home for this one or they could be up the raging river without a paddle.
